NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday has approved allocation of additional foodgrain under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (Phase IV) for another period of five months from July to November.
Under this scheme, the government will provide 5 kg of food grain per person every month free of cost to 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) (Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Households) including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The sanction of the additional foodgrain facility for another five months would entail an estimated food subsidy of Rs 64,031 crore.
As the Central government is bearing the entire expenditure towards this scheme without any contribution by states or Union Territories (UTs), an additional expenditure of about Rs 3,234.85 crore would be required to be met towards transportation and handling and Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers' margins. Thus, the total estimated expenditure to be borne by the Central government will be Rs 67,266.44 crore.
The allocation in terms of wheat or rice shall be determined by the Deptt of Food and Public Distribution. Also, it may decide on the extension of the lifting or distribution period under Phase III and Phase IV of PMGKAY as per operational requirements, arising out of adverse weather conditions like monsoon and snowfall, and supply chain and Covid-induced constraints.
RBI assessment: Second COVID wave trimmed down Rs 2 lakh cr output
PM Modi on Olympic Day: India proud of its Olympians' contributions to sports
MP Congress leader Ajay Sigh urges PM to hike senior citizen pension, benefits